Kid Atomic

by Mark Barry

Two nineteen year old boys, best friends, students in Nottingham and members of a group protesting against world capitalism are asked to drive to London to pick up two trunks full of equipment which will aid a forthcoming demonstration. When there, they meet a Polish revolutionary called Verna in a high rise block of flats. She takes an interest in one of the boys, a geeky, immature game player called Kevin. Instead of two trunks, the boys are given an extra trunk to take back. Through certain machinations, the boys find themselves with the trunks in Kevin's mum's garage. One night, when his friend calls in sick and overwhelmed with curiosity, Kevin opens the trunk despite (like Bluebeard's Castle), being under strict instructions not to. He is shocked to discover the contents. And suddenly, it seems, the whole world wants the trunk in Kevin's garage including Special Branch and the sinister leader of the protest group, now desperately trying to bed Kevin's beautiful girlfriend.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Mark Barry, author of Hollywood Shakedown, the highly acclaimed Carla and the top selling Ultra-Violence, is a writer and publisher based in Nottingham and Southwell. He writes extensively on a variety of topics including, horseracing, football, personality disorders and human relationships, but most recently, he writes about life in Nottingham and monitors closely its ever changing face.

Mark has been interviewed on several Radio chat shows where he has given readings of his work. His writing has been featured in the national press, and he has also been interviewed on television.

Mark resides in Southwell, Nottinghamshire and has one son, Matthew.

Reviews

[Mary Quallo]

Mark Barry has surprised me again. This is a character and relationship driven psychological thriller that, if you have read any other books by Mr. Barry clearly shows his incredible range. The characters are ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Set in current day Britain, it tells the story of good friends that have joined a protest movement at the University they attend. They are chosen by the leader of the movement to go to London to pick up materials for an upcoming demonstration. What they pick up will change their lives forever. The characters are well developed, invoking strong feelings in the reader. Feelings that run the gamut from empathy to revulsion. The relationships are as intertwined as those in the reader's own life and entirely believable. Although the story starts out in an easy going manner, things soon begin to turn dark and sinister. Mr. Barry keeps the reader guessing right up to the very surprising and satisfying ending. An enjoyable and suspenseful story from beginning to end.,

[Xan Rooyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this book a delight to read is the British quirk. The cast of characters is well developed and each character completes the jig-saw of the story.

This might not be everyone's cup of tea. The British-ness translates even into the plot which is slower than what I'm used to and full tangents, trips down memory lane, pop-culture references and back story. If you want a book about characters and about the relationships people have and why, then this is the book for you. If you're looking for a high octane thriller then look elsewhere.

The writing is solid and prose as delightful as a cup of a Earl Grey. I really enjoyed this read.

[MaryAnn Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid Atomic is a story about Kevin Taylor who has joined a protest group on University, and soon finds himself dangerously involved with a radical faction whose sole purpose is to destroy Great Britain. Mr. Barry expertly weaves into story the complexities of coming of age as Kevin deals with a myriad of emotions, from dealing with bullies to falling in love. Once Kevin becomes the keeper of the Device, the opportunity for vengeance suddenly is a reality, but could he destroy everyone, including himself in the process? No spoilers here. An enjoyable story.

[MaryAnn Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kid Atomic is a story about Kevin Taylor who has joined a protest group on University, and soon finds himself dangerously involved with a radical faction whose sole purpose is to destroy Great Britain. Mr. Barry expertly weaves into story the complexities of coming of age as Kevin deals with a myriad of emotions, from dealing with bullies to falling in love. Once Kevin becomes the keeper of the Device, the opportunity for vengeance suddenly is a reality, but could he destroy everyone, including himself in the process? No spoilers here. An enjoyable story.